January 6, 2021 •
Massachusetts Special Election Announced for House’s 19th Suffolk district

Massachusetts Capitol Building
A special election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 19th Suffolk District is scheduled for March 30, with a primary election to be held on March 2. The seat became vacant after House Speaker Robert DeLeo resigned December 29, 2020.
A special election for Massachusetts House of Representatives 19th Suffolk District is scheduled for March 30, with a primary election to be held on March 2.
The seat became vacant after House Speaker Robert DeLeo resigned December 29, 2020.
January 6, 2021 •
Vermont Legislature to Convene in Largely Remote Session

Vermont Capitol Building
Both the Vermont House and Senate are scheduled to begin their 2021 sessions Wednesday, January 6. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of lawmakers will be attending remotely to swear in new members of both chambers and to […]
Both the Vermont House and Senate are scheduled to begin their 2021 sessions Wednesday, January 6.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a majority of lawmakers will be attending remotely to swear in new members of both chambers and to elect the speaker of the House and the president pro tem of the Senate.
Gov. Phil Scott will remotely give his inaugural address on Thursday, January 7.
January 6, 2021 •
Oklahoma Lobbying, Campaign Finance Amendments to Go Before Legislature

Oklahoma Capitol Building
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to adopt the proposed changes to the Constitutional Ethics Rules related to lobbying and campaign finance. Amendment 2021-01 impacts candidate committees formed for elections held prior to 2015. The changes include establishing a mandatory dissolution […]
The Oklahoma Ethics Commission voted to adopt the proposed changes to the Constitutional Ethics Rules related to lobbying and campaign finance.
Amendment 2021-01 impacts candidate committees formed for elections held prior to 2015. The changes include establishing a mandatory dissolution date of December 31, 2021; removing the limitation of expenditure of funds for only those purposes listed on the committee’s Statement of Organization; and providing a process for dissolving a candidate committee with debt without filing continuing reports with the Commission.
Amendment 3 to 2021-02 impacts lobbying laws by adding a new category of gifts for books and similar informational materials that do not count against the $500 overall aggregate limit of gifts and requiring this category of gift be reported in the same manner as other gifts are reported.
The commission directed the Executive Director to deliver the changes to the legislature and governor on February 1, 2021, in accordance with Article 29, section 3 of the Oklahoma Constitution.
The amendments will become effective upon adjournment sine die of the regular legislative session on May 28, 2021.
January 6, 2021 •
Wednesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance California: “Ex-Election Watchdog Urged to Probe Donation to Newsom Recall Bid” by Nathan Solis for Courthouse News Service New York: “Three Men Gave $250 Each to a Candidate for City Comptroller – and Say They Never Heard of […]
Campaign Finance
California: “Ex-Election Watchdog Urged to Probe Donation to Newsom Recall Bid” by Nathan Solis for Courthouse News Service
New York: “Three Men Gave $250 Each to a Candidate for City Comptroller – and Say They Never Heard of Him” by Clifford Michel for The City
Elections
Georgia: “Raphael Warnock Wins Georgia Runoff Election Against Sen. Loeffler, Lifting Democratic Hopes of Claiming Senate Majority” by Reis Thebault, Michael Scherer, and Cleve Wootson Jr. for Washington Post
Ethics
National: “‘Covid Can Kill’: Lawmakers issue fresh warnings about virus after death of Rep.-elect Luke Letlow” by David Nakamura and Fenit Nirappil (Washington Post) for MSN
California: “Former Oakland Building Inspector Accused of Bribery Fined $55,000 by Ethics Commission” by Annie Sciacca for San Jose Mercury News
Pennsylvania: “Ex-House Speaker John Perzel Wins 3rd and Likely Final Bid to Avoid Paying $1M for Corruption Conviction” by Matt Miller for PennLive.com
South Carolina: “Magistrate Judges Took Bribes, Stole Money and Mishandled Cases. South Carolina Officials Now Want Reform” by Joseph Cranney (Charleston Post and Courier) for ProPublica
Legislative Issues
National: “House Approves Rules Package for New Congress” by Juliegrace Brufke and Cristina Marcos for The Hill
Lobbying
North Dakota: “North Dakota Lobbyist Gift Ban Takes Effect; Ethics Bills Set in Legislature” by Jack Dura for Bismarck Tribune
January 5, 2021 •
New Contributions Limits for North Carolina Candidates

North Carolina State Legislative Building
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has announced an increase in the limits on contributions made to candidates. The limit will increase from $5,400 to $5,600 due to the 2.8% rise in the consumer price index from 2018 to […]
The North Carolina State Board of Elections has announced an increase in the limits on contributions made to candidates.
The limit will increase from $5,400 to $5,600 due to the 2.8% rise in the consumer price index from 2018 to 2020.
This increase is effective from January 1, 2021, through December 31, 2022.
January 5, 2021 •
North Carolina State Officials Set to be Sworn in on January 9

N. Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper - by NCDOTcommunications
Inauguration festivities for Gov. Roy Cooper and other statewide officials will be held as a limited event on January 9 in Raleigh. Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, attendance at the inauguration will be limited to family, staff, and media. However, […]
Inauguration festivities for Gov. Roy Cooper and other statewide officials will be held as a limited event on January 9 in Raleigh.
Due to ongoing pandemic concerns, attendance at the inauguration will be limited to family, staff, and media.
However, the event will be televised statewide.
The Inaugural Ball celebration has been postponed to an unspecified date when it can be conducted safely.
January 5, 2021 •
New Hampshire Gubernatorial Inauguration Ceremony Canceled

Gov Chris Sununu - by USDA | Public Domain
The inauguration ceremony for New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu previously scheduled for Thursday, January 7 has been canceled due to safety concerns. A small inauguration ceremony will instead take place the same evening followed by Sununu’s inaugural address at 7 […]
The inauguration ceremony for New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu previously scheduled for Thursday, January 7 has been canceled due to safety concerns.
A small inauguration ceremony will instead take place the same evening followed by Sununu’s inaugural address at 7 p.m.
January 5, 2021 •
Tuesday’s LobbyComply News Roundup

Campaign Finance Colorado: “Aurora’s Adoption of Strict Limits on Campaign Contributions Means Most of Colorado’s Largest Cities Have Controls in Place” by John Aguilar for Denver Post Ohio: “Despite Bribery Scandal, Influence of Dark Money in Ohio Remains Unchecked” by […]
Campaign Finance
Colorado: “Aurora’s Adoption of Strict Limits on Campaign Contributions Means Most of Colorado’s Largest Cities Have Controls in Place” by John Aguilar for Denver Post
Ohio: “Despite Bribery Scandal, Influence of Dark Money in Ohio Remains Unchecked” by Jessie Balmert (Cincinnati Enquirer) for MSN
Ethics
National: “In Viral Ad, New Member of Congress Appears to Walk Capitol Hill Streets with a Glock” by Meagan Flynn (Washington Post) for MSN
Connecticut: “Ritter Family of Hartford Extends Its Influence in Connecticut Legislature, Courts” by Christopher Keating for Hartford Courant
Virginia: “Richmond Judge Recuses Himself from Case Involving State Senator Who Has Power Over Reappointing Him to the Bench” by Gregory Schneider (Washington Post) for MSN
Legislative Issues
Washington: “Olympia Lawmaking Is About to Go Virtual. Participants See Both Minefields and Silver Linings” by Sarah Genzler for Tri-City Herald
Lobbying
National: “Lobbyist Brother of Biden Advisor Has Reputation for Deep Connections and Looking to Avoid Possible Conflicts” by Brian Schwartz for CNBC
California: “Newsom’s Friendship with Lobbyist Who Threw French Laundry Party Brings Questions” by Taryn Luna and Phil Willon for Los Angeles Times
Missouri: “Lobbyist Steve Tilley Worked to Steer Marijuana Money to Jason Kander Tiny Home Project” by Kurt Erickson and Jack Suntrup for St. Louis Post-Dispatch
January 4, 2021 •
Which Legislatures are in Session This Week?

In 2021, every state—along with the District of Columbia, Federal Government, and Puerto Rico—will be in session…but not at the same time. A good number of them are starting this week…but which ones? Federal Connecticut District of Columbia Indiana Kentucky […]
In 2021, every state—along with the District of Columbia, Federal Government, and Puerto Rico—will be in session…but not at the same time.
A good number of them are starting this week…but which ones?
- Federal
- Connecticut
- District of Columbia
- Indiana
- Kentucky
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
It’s a big start for a big year. Stay in touch with lobbycomply.com to see when the other starts will convene.
January 4, 2021 •
Special Election Announced for Alabama House District 73

Alabama State Capitol Building
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced the special election dates for House District 73 to coincide with the previously announced special election for Senate District 14. The special primary election will be held on March 30, 2021, with a runoff on […]
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced the special election dates for House District 73 to coincide with the previously announced special election for Senate District 14.
The special primary election will be held on March 30, 2021, with a runoff on April 27, if necessary.
The general election will be held on July 13.
The House District 73 was vacated when Rep. Matt Fridy resigned after being elected to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals.
January 4, 2021 •
US Congress Starts New Session

U.S. Capitol - by Martin Falbisoner
On January 3, the United States House of Representatives began the first session of the 117th Congress. Rep. Nancy Pelosi won her fourth election as speaker of the House by 216 votes to 209 votes. Of the 435 seats in […]
On January 3, the United States House of Representatives began the first session of the 117th Congress.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi won her fourth election as speaker of the House by 216 votes to 209 votes. Of the 435 seats in the House, the Democrats lead with a slim majority of 222 seats.
Pelosi stated the lawmakers’ “most urgent priority will continue to be defeating the coronavirus,” according to the New York Times.
The U.S. Senate also officially met in a pro forma session to begin its two-year period of legislative business. On January 5, the Georgia election for its two U.S. Senators will decide which party controls the Senate.
January 4, 2021 •
North Dakota Attorney General Opinion Confirms Ethics Commission Authority

North Dakota Capitol Building
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued an opinion confirming the Ethics Commission is constitutionally authorized to create a rule expanding the definitions for “lobby” and “lobbyist” for purposes of the new gift rules. The opinion was issued in response to a […]
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem issued an opinion confirming the Ethics Commission is constitutionally authorized to create a rule expanding the definitions for “lobby” and “lobbyist” for purposes of the new gift rules.
The opinion was issued in response to a request for clarification from Ethics Commission Chairman Ron Goodman.
The definitions used by the commission in the new gift rules in the Administrative Code adopted in October are broader than those passed by the Legislature in House Bill 1521.
The Ethics Commission expanded the definition of lobby and lobbyist to include attempts to influence any public official, administrative rule, or regulation rather than just the Legislature and legislation.
The new rules are not intended to expand the definition of who should be required to be registered as a lobbyist.
January 4, 2021 •
Louisiana Governor Calls Special Election for 5th Congressional District

Louisiana State Capitol
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will call a special election on March 20 to fill the 5th Congressional District. This seat was previously held by the late Luke Letlow, who died December 29 from COVID-19 complications. Letlow, 41, had been elected […]
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards will call a special election on March 20 to fill the 5th Congressional District.
This seat was previously held by the late Luke Letlow, who died December 29 from COVID-19 complications.
Letlow, 41, had been elected to replace incumbent Congressman Ralph Abraham, who had previously chosen not to seek reelection.
Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two children.
The special election would coincide with already scheduled spring elections on March 20 for the primary and April 24 for a runoff.
Until then, the 5th Congressional District will be without a representative once Abraham’s term expires and the new Congress is sworn-in January 3.
January 4, 2021 •
New Jersey Governor Postpones Elections

New Jersey Capitol Building
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 211 postponing elections to be held in the first quarter of 2021 until April 20. The executive order affects any special school elections and fire district elections previously scheduled for February and […]
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 211 postponing elections to be held in the first quarter of 2021 until April 20.
The executive order affects any special school elections and fire district elections previously scheduled for February and March.
The governor issued the executive order due to the continued COVID-19 pandemic and to allow officials to prepare safe elections.
The governor will decide whether to hold the elections by in-person or mail-in voting at a later date.
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